Holiday Knitting
I dread to bring up the inevitable. “It’s barely Halloween,” I hear people say. But then again, the seasoned knitter starts when the weather is warm. Customers vow each year to start in January, and I wonder, does anyone ever really do this? I’ve been trying to sidestep the hand crafted gift giving because it quickly spirals into fantasy regarding what can be done in a certain period of time.
I wonder sometimes if all this work is worth it. It’s doubtful that my brother will ever wear the cabled scarf I spent countless hours making him. My father will likely lose the hat I made, so I can make the same blaze orange hunting hat year after year. My mother will just add to the pile of special knits that are too nice to wear. Thankfully my sister wears the stitches out of everything I knit for her, but she’s always easy to give to. Family knitting is truly selfless knitting.
Despite my misgivings, as time approaches my thoughts return to gift knitting. It’s almost impossible to resist the handmade gift. What better way to show love? Or strike envy into the hearts of non-knitters at our skill? (Or so I imagine). So my next challenge is to come up with a good “assembly line” gift. One I can plug out in a relatively short period of time and just keep running full speed until I’m done.
One year I made miniature stocking ornaments, which were well received. The new book 55 Christmas Balls to Knit, by Arne and Carlos, has me considering this again. There’s more to this book than you might imagine with ample opportunity to mix and match themes. I could make a strangely large amount with the new Cascade 220 Fingering or Rowan Fine Tweed!
Felted slippers are another good contender. Although I’m leaning towards knitted slippers like Prairie Boots by Cocoknits to give my washing machine a rest. Northampton Bulky, anyone?
I can also see making a variety of hats, each to fit the style of the recipient. With the brand spanking new Weekend Hats this is bound to be a hit. This book is the newest volume edited by Melissa Labarre and Cecily Macdonald.
So many lovely publications this fall my head is spinning with ideas! What are your plans for holiday crafting?
Cara
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Tags: holiday, knitting books
September 28th, 2011 at 8:08 pm
I want to thank KPG for telling me about your blog! It is awesome!
September 28th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
I’m a customer but didn’t realize you had a blog also! That’s what I get for just going to the “Sale” page. Thanks to KPG for sending me your way to look at your needles.
September 28th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
Thanks to Webs and KPG for a terrific partnership!
September 28th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Love the faux Uggs!
KPG sent me to your blog…but I’m a huge fan of your store in NoHo 🙂 I visit every time I’m in Western Mass.
September 29th, 2011 at 1:41 am
KPG sent me here…..love the products and now following the blog 😉
September 29th, 2011 at 7:19 am
Great Blog. I’m going to have to check out the 55 Christmas Balls to Knit. KPG has sent me over here and I will most definately be back.
September 29th, 2011 at 9:56 am
KPG sent me! Love the new needles. I’m lucky enough to have a local midwest friend who visits your shop at least twice a year on vacation and brings back yummy yarn!!
September 29th, 2011 at 11:02 am
KPG sent me. I have been eyeballing the weekend hats book. I LOVE knitting and wearing hats.
September 29th, 2011 at 11:06 am
I’m a total overachiever at the planning of holiday knits and underachiever at the actual completion of them. I generally make something for my immediate family, but wish i had time to make something for close friends. The christmas ball book looks good and seems like it would be a stash buster. This compilation might help you choose a project- A Holiday Knit Guide for the Men in Your Life http://bit.ly/p3thd6.
September 29th, 2011 at 12:33 pm
KPG sent me! Love the weekend hats book, might just have to check that out! Thanks!
September 29th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
KPG sent me. Love to try the Knitter’s Pride needles. I like that each size is a different color and the needles has the size # on them. Can’t wait to try them.
September 29th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
KPG sent me… I have wanted to knit those boots for AGES! Northamptom Bulky it shall be.
September 29th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
KPG sent me! I can’t wait to see the Holiday catalog for 2011! The Dreamz needles look awesome! Great giveaway!
September 29th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
KPG sent me too!
I’m already hyperventilating over Christmas knitting and I love the idea of ornaments for my friends and family. Much less of a commitment and far more attainable!
Cecily and Melissa are geniuses. I love just about everything they make and will definitely be adding this book to my collection. 🙂
September 29th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
KPG sent me! Christmas knitting began last month already… so many things on the list and hopefully enough time to complete! Mittens, two vests, and some other things….
September 29th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
KPG sent me! I’m like a deer in the headlights when I think about Christmas knitting!
September 29th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
KPG sent me. Like the weekend hats book and would love the knitter’s pride needles
September 29th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
KPG sent me – these are some great ideas to get me started thinking about gift knitting for Christmas … it is less than 3 months away after all!
September 29th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
KPG sent me. I didn’t realize how much there was to the blog! Thanks for the holiday gift ideas. I’m thinking hats will be good for some nieces.
September 30th, 2011 at 12:25 am
Heard about WEBS through KPG — and I’m loving it! I have been thinking about Holidays Knits for months, I want to knit something for the whole family this year (I’m thinking new stockings)!
October 2nd, 2011 at 9:10 pm
I’ve started my holiday knitting already (I have to holiday FO’s already)! I love giving homemade and I know everyone I give too always appreciates it just as much!
Set by KPG!